Of excellent quality and colour, this tea caddy dates from the mid 18th century. It is bombe in shape and stands on ogee bracket feet. Made from padauk wood, the lid opens to reveal the original brass tea cannisters with their star embossed lids. Without question this would have been an expensive commission in the 18th century and the shape and style, long with the unusual use of padauk wood rather than mahogany, points to a possible Thomas Chippendale link.